How Far Has Earth Traveled Since Its Birth?

[Mariesa Yeoman]

Homework Statement

Taking the age of Earth to be about 4 ✕ 10⁹ years and assuming its orbital radius of 1.5 ✕ 10¹¹ m has not changed and is circular, calculate the approximate total distance Earth has traveled since its birth (in a frame of reference stationary with respect to the Sun). It is asking for this answer in meters.

Homework Equations

I do not have an equation here yet, I have read the chapter on this but I do not know where to begin with this problem.

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Delta2]

In 1 year how much distance does the Earth travel? It does exactly one circle around the sun right? The radius of that circle is given...

 

[Charles Link]

I think the age of the Earth is supposed to be $4 \cdot 10^9$ years. Also, the orbital radius is $r=1.5 \cdot 10^{11}$ m. Do you know how to compute the circumference of the circle to compute how far the Earth travels in one year?

 

[Mariesa Yeoman]

Yes if I am not mistaken it is the formula C = 2*π* Radius? So, I find the circumference of the Earth first? I am confused about what I do with the circumference, do I then divide it by the age of the earth?

 

[jbriggs444]

I find the circumference of the Earth first?

The circle in question is the one traced out by the Earth over the course of a year -- its orbital path. You need the circumference of that circle, not the circumference of the earth.

 

[Mariesa Yeoman]

okay, and sorry I meant multiply not divide. Thank you that helped me to the right answer, greatly appreciated!